Microcosm of Societies in The Lord of the Flies

Summary: An argument with supporting details as to how William Golding designed his island in his novel The Lord of the Flies as a microcosm, or representation, of society. It discusses what aspects of life on the island represent society at large.

If a civilized group were marooned on an island, would their morals continue, would their social structure remain in tact, and would some individuals secure power through use of fear? In the novel The Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the author suggests that society holds everyone together, that basic morals may be lost in the absence of civilization, and individuals might use fear to secure power. In the paragraphs that follow, it is explained in depth the plight of a group of British school boys stranded on an island after their plane crashed.

A central idea from the book is that society holds everyone together and without society's structure; ideas, values and the basics of right and wrong are lost. On the island the boys attempt to set up a mock democratic government with Ralph as their leader. A conch is used to represent order and...